$15,000
[Correspondence] Lifetime archive of Cardini’s personal correspondence. An important and historically significant accumulation of letters written to Cardini by a wide array of correspondents, among them famous magicians, agents and promoters, theater owners, amateur magicians, and admiring theatergoers. Among the magicians represented are Sam Margules, Ellsworth Lyman, Brunel White, Glen Gravatt, Arnold Belais, Bernard Ernst (Houdini’s lawyer), Graham Adams, and many more. Agents and agencies represented include Mark Leddy (agent for the Ed Sullivan show), Fosters Agency of London, and others. Topics discussed in the letters, many of which have been composed on elaborate illustrated letterheads, include the working of tricks, bookings for Cardini and Swan, gossip regarding other well-known magicians, personal details about the Cardinis and their family, among other matters. A small portion of the archive was accumulated after Cardini’s death by his wife, Swan, and these letters are primarily from professional magicians and collectors of Cardini memorabilia, or friends writing sympathy cards and similar missives regarding Cardini’s passing. Some discuss Cardini’s personal effects and career, or articles to be published about Cardini. Documents range in dates from the 1920s – 80s. Letters range in length from short notes to detailed multi-page documents. Condition overall is good, with expected wear and folds and extremities of documents from use and mailing. A once-in-a-lifeti
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2013-04-06
